by Jim Martin, Fort McPherson
I was sitting in the A&W having breakfast when two friends asked me if I wanted to go to check out their new traditional camp. It sounded interesting so I agreed to go with them to see what it is all about.
They drove me out to a spot on the outskirts of the city. Then they led me through a freshly cut trail to a location that consisted of two tent frames and teepee.
This was a new camp where one could go for healing purposes. This made me feel so connected to my natural surroundings.
I could hear song birds singing in the trees.
You can't ask for anything better.
I was standing by the fire when I heard George say, “Somebody is coming.”
Two young ladies appeared in the distance followed by more. I was surprised to hear George say that this was the place where he found abstinence after a long struggle with alcohol.
He made a fire and put on a couple of pots for coffee and tea. I could tell that he was experienced being out in the bush.
He is an Aboriginal who fell to alcohol and experienced the worst. I could identify with George's story as I went through the same thing. Everybody else shared. There was a lot of laughter and it was good to laugh once again.
This is good news that traditional healing practices are coming back to the North. I also see it happening back home (in Fort McPherson).